Minnesota Vikings Rumors: Is A Wide Receiver That Could Become Available A Good Fit?

By Brad Berreman

Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Dolphins have added some significant weapons for quarterback Ryan Tannehill through the first few days of NFL free agency, signing wide receivers Mike Wallace and Brandon Gibson as well as tight end Dustin Keller. They have also re-signed wide receiver Brian Hartline to a five-year deal worth just under $31 million.

At first glance, the odd man out in the Dolphins’ receiving corp would appear to be Davone Bess. He and the team have reportedly been at odds over the back injury that caused him to miss the final three games of last season, and Gibson has a comparable skill set. Despite missing those three games in 2012, Bess had 61 catches for 778 yards (both second on the team to Hartline) along with one touchdown. In five NFL seasons, all with Miami, he has 321 receptions for 3,447 yards and 12 touchdowns over 77 games.

Despite Gibson’s signing on Friday, Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald reported that Bess’ status with the Dolphins has not changed. But he is entering the final year of his contract, and due to make just over $2.6 million, so there may be a few teams interested in trading for him. If that is the case, the Dolphins would probably have to listen rather than keep Bess in what is likely to be a minimal role.

The Minnesota Vikingsmade a notable free agent addition of their own on Friday, signing wide receiver Greg Jennings to a five-year deal. But they still need to add more wide receivers, and replacing Percy Harvin’s production out of the slot may be a consideration in terms of who they target from here on out via free agency or the trade market.

I think Bess would be a solid fit for the Vikings as another reliable target for quarterback Christian Ponder, and if the Dolphins don’t have an elevated asking price in a trade general manager Rick Spielman should make an offer. Of course it’s possible, though at this point unlikely based on Friday’s report, that Miami could choose to release Bess at some point.

Brad Berreman is a contributing writer at Rant Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter @bradberreman24.